> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.streamly.watch/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bank Transfer Plugin

> Manual bank transfer checkout — viewer instructions, admin approval workflow.

**Bank Transfer** (`payments.bank_transfer`) is a Streamly **plugin** in the **payment** category.

Bank Transfer is a **manual** rail: viewers see your instructions, pay offline, then an operator approves before access unlocks. Ideal for local rails or high-trust markets.

## At a glance

| | |
| - | - |
| **Plugin ID** | `payments.bank_transfer` |
| **Runtime** | `builtin` |
| **Capabilities** | `payments.manual`, `payments.approval` |

## Capabilities

* `payments.manual`
* `payments.approval`

## When to use it

* Wire / local bank markets
* Fallback when cards are unavailable

## How it works

### Approval flow

| Step | What happens |
| - | - |
| **1** | Viewer chooses **Bank Transfer** at checkout |
| **2** | Streamly shows your `instructions` |
| **3** | Viewer pays offline |
| **4** | Operator approves in `/admin/subscriptions` |
| **5** | Access unlocks |

<Tip>
  Click the diagram **expand / fullscreen** control to open the chart full screen.
</Tip>

## Activation keys

Configure in `/admin/plugins` → **Bank Transfer** → Configure. Secret fields stay server-side — never commit them or expose as `NEXT_PUBLIC_*` unless the key is intentionally public (e.g. Stripe publishable key).

| Key | Label | Required | Description |
| - | - | - | - |
| `instructions` | Instructions for users | Yes | Bank name, IBAN/SWIFT, account holder, currency, and a unique reference pattern (e.g. order ID). Shown after the viewer selects Bank Transfer. |

## Setup guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Write clear instructions">Include reference format so you can match payments.</Step>
  <Step title="Install plugin">`/admin/plugins` → Bank Transfer → paste `instructions`.</Step>
  <Step title="Approve">Review requests under `/admin/subscriptions` (or your billing queue) and approve.</Step>
</Steps>

## Admin & Settings paths

| Path | Purpose |
| - | - |
| `/admin/plugins` | Instructions |
| `/admin/subscriptions` | Approve payments |

## Official vendor documentation

* [Streamly Plugins Overview](/plugins/overview)

## Tip

Keep Stripe/PayPal for instant access; use Bank Transfer when buyers cannot or will not use cards.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Viewer paid but still locked">
    Approval is manual — check the subscriptions queue.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

* [Stripe](/plugins/stripe)
* [PayPal](/plugins/paypal)
* [Subscriptions](/admin-dashboard/subscriptions)
* [Plugins Overview](/plugins/overview)


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